Free school meal expansion plans commented on by Bradford South MP
The government's announcement of an expansion of free school meals to all families on Universal Credit has been commented on by Bradford South MP, Judith Cummins.
"Up to 9760 children" across Ms Cummins' constituency are "set to benefit," according to a spokesperson for the MP.
The expanded free school meal eligibility will take effect from September 2026.
According to a spokesperson for Ms Cummins, the expansion "will mean children whose parent(s) earn over £7,400 but qualify for and claim Universal Credit will become eligible."
Following the announcement, Ms Cummins said: "Children in Bradford have enormous potential to succeed in life, but it is essential that they are provided with the right support to do so.
"Ensuring that children are provided with regular and nutritious meals is essential to their development.
"I wholeheartedly welcome the decision to extend free school meals to more children in Bradford South and beyond."
Education secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, said: "It is the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty, and today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents' pockets."
The government announcement on the expansion can be read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-expansion-impact-on-poverty-levels/free-school-meals-expansion-to-all-children-on-universal-credit-impact-on-individual-and-child-poverty-levels-and-number-of-children-in-households-r
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Free school meal expansion plans commented on by Bradford South MP
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